An Introduction to Said Nursi

'This invaluable and important book should increase Western understanding of Islam considerably, and enable readers to study a modern Muslim theologian at first hand.' Keith Ward, University of Oxford, UK 'Birinci and Markham have provided an invaluable service in this collection of primary texts and a commentary on Said Nursi, one of the greatest Muslim theologians of the modern period. This book will serve interfaith scholarship as well as those studying Islam. Most importantly, this book details a face of Islam that fails to hit the headlines: non-violent and socially-engaged.' Gavin D'Costa, University of Bristol, UK ' ... a fascinating rendition of the life and thought of this important 20th century Muslim theologian. They present Nursi's perspectives on God and scripture, spirituality and pluralism, with sensitivity, appreciation and a keen persuasion of the importance of his original contributions to Islamic perceptions of the world of nature and the realm of the divine.' Jane Smith, Harvard Divinity School, USA 'Readers will be able to acquaint themselves directly with Nursi’s mode of argumentation, which depends heavily on parables and imagined conversations between a believer and a sceptic.' Journal of Shi’a Islamic Studies